Vieira leaves Mané out of first Senegal squad

Patrick Vieira announced his first squad as Senegal head coach on Friday, without Sadio Mané or Édouard Mendy, for three matches during the September-October international window.

Named head coach following Pape Thiaw’s departure—himself pushed out after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign—the 1998 World Cup winner was keen to clarify Mané’s situation. “Sadio Mané has a physical issue, which is why he’s absent. But he will be there for the next gathering,” Vieira said. No exclusion, then, and no international retirement on the horizon for the Lions of Teranga star. Édouard Mendy’s absence, meanwhile, is permanent: the goalkeeper announced last Sunday the end of his international career.

Among notable returns, Pape Gueye features in the squad. The midfielder had stepped back after the World Cup, announcing he would not return to the national team as long as Pape Thiaw and his staff remained in place. The coaching change has reopened the door for him.

Vieira did not overhaul the squad. In defence, Kalidou Koulibaly remains a cornerstone, while Malang Sarr earns his first call-up. In midfield, Gana Gueye, former PSG player and Koulibaly’s former teammate, is also retained. Yehvann Diouf is set to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper, alongside notably Mory Diaw. Ibrahim Mbaye and Lamine Camara are also part of the group.

Senegal will play two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers: against Mozambique on September 25, then against Ethiopia on September 29. A friendly against Comoros is scheduled for October 4.